complementary cells: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “complementary cells” mean?
In botany, intercellular spaces found in the bark of some plants, formed by the enlargement or separation of parenchyma cells, aiding in gas exchange.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In botany, intercellular spaces found in the bark of some plants, formed by the enlargement or separation of parenchyma cells, aiding in gas exchange.
In biology, any adjacent or associated cells that structurally or functionally support or complete each other; more broadly, any two or more cell types whose functions or structures are mutually supporting or interdependent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling of associated words may follow regional conventions (e.g., 'fibres' vs. 'fibers').
Connotations
Purely technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse; used exclusively in advanced botany and plant anatomy texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “complementary cells” in a Sentence
The bark contains complementary cells.Complementary cells are formed adjacent to [X].The function of complementary cells is to facilitate [Y].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Not applicable]
Academic
Used in advanced botany, plant physiology, and forestry research papers.
Everyday
[Not used]
Technical
Primary context. Describes specific structures in plant bark anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “complementary cells”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “complementary cells”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “complementary cells”
- Confusing with 'companion cells' (phloem).
- Using 'complementary' in its general sense ('nice addition') instead of its structural/functional sense.
- Misspelling as 'complimentary' (meaning flattering).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Companion cells are found in the phloem and are associated with sieve tubes for nutrient transport. Complementary cells are found in the bark (periderm) and are involved in gas exchange.
It is highly unusual and not standard terminology. In human biology, terms like 'supporting cells' or specific cell type names (e.g., 'glial cells') would be used.
Because 'complimentary' (with an 'i') means expressing praise or given free of charge. The correct term for these cells uses 'complementary' (with an 'e'), meaning completing or making whole.
They are a component of the periderm (the protective bark layer) in stems and roots of woody plants, specifically associated with lenticels.
In botany, intercellular spaces found in the bark of some plants, formed by the enlargement or separation of parenchyma cells, aiding in gas exchange.
Complementary cells is usually technical/scientific in register.
Complementary cells: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒm.plɪˈmen.tər.i sɛlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːm.pləˈmen.tə.ri sɛlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Cells that COMPLETE the air passage system in bark – they are COMPLEMENTARY to the plant's need for gas exchange.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A NETWORK (the cells form a network of air passages).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of complementary cells in plants?